Most people moving to Nairobi with a mid-to-high budget end up choosing between these three. They are close together, but feel very different.
At a glance
| Kilimani | Westlands | Lavington | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Busy, central, residential | City centre, lively | Leafy, quiet, suburban |
| Housing | Apartment blocks | Apartment towers | Houses, townhouses and low-rise flats |
| Two-bedroom flat (KES a month) | 60,000 - 130,000 | 80,000 - 200,000 | 70,000 - 150,000 |
| Nightlife | Some | Plenty | Little |
| Walkability | Fair | Best of the three | Poor |
| Best for | Young professionals, first homes | People who work in Westlands | Families, people wanting space |
Rents are rough 2026 asking rents for unfurnished flats. See Finding housing.
Choose Kilimani if…
- You want the most choice of flats at mid-range prices.
- You work in Upper Hill, the CBD or Kilimani itself.
- You like having cafés and malls close by without Westlands’ noise.
See Living in Kilimani.
Choose Westlands if…
- You work in Westlands or along Waiyaki Way.
- You want restaurants, bars and malls within walking distance.
- You are happy to pay more for a newer building with amenities.
See Living in Westlands.
Choose Lavington if…
- You want space, a garden and quiet - especially with children.
- You have a car; Lavington is not walkable, and matatus are fewer.
- You want to be close to schools and to both Kilimani and Westlands.
Lavington’s James Gichuru Road links it to Waiyaki Way and the Expressway, but its own roads, such as Gitanga and Othaya, jam at school-run times.
Also consider
- Kileleshwa - between Kilimani and Lavington in price and feel, with more greenery than Kilimani.
- Parklands - next to Westlands, often better value.
- Riverside - quiet and upmarket, close to Westlands.
The deciding question
Where will you be at 8am and 6pm? A cheaper flat on the wrong side of town can cost you two hours a day. Map the commute, then use the commute cost calculator.